A Very Boulder County Vacation

Make the most of a Boulder vacation by hitting the county’s L-Towns

Story and Photos by McKenzie Watson-Fore

Boulder has long been a beloved destination for visitors of all stripes, and between the new Limelight Hotel on University Avenue and the Sundance Festival coming to town, that’s only going to become more and more evident. Whether you’re a total townie or just visiting, these spots are local faves that continue to charm. And if you’ve yet to venture outside the Bubble—do! There’s so much to explore around the county.

Start in Boulder

Begin your Boulder County getaway in the heart of it all—Boulder. While the best way to let your Instagram followers know you’re here is with an iconic snapshot of the Flatirons, there are plenty of hiking, walking, and biking trails that won’t make you compete for a parking spot at Chautauqua or NCAR. If you’re feeling ambitious, take an early-morning hike up Mount Sanitas. The trailhead is just a short walk from downtown, and the sunrise views from the top are pure Front Range magic.

Breakfast tastes even better after you’ve worked up an appetite. Duck into Village Coffee Shop for the diner breakfast of your dreams (be sure to tell the wait staff if it’s your first time). Bread-lovers can also snag an artisanal loaf at Moxie Bread Co., which has a Boulder location as well as spots in Louisville and Lyons.

Once you’re fueled up, head into downtown Boulder for some local shopping. You can find lovely gifts and trinkets at bespoke boutiques on both ends of Pearl Street: Bliss on the east end and Two Hands Paperie on the west. Bliss offers thoughtfully curated gifts featuring products from local makers and entrepreneurs, and Two Hands is a stationary shop that hosts inimitable events like Write a Love Letter Night.

When it comes to shopping, no visit to Boulder is complete without a trip to McGuckin Hardware. Far more than a hardware store, McGuckins offers everything from pet toys to art supplies, cute clothes to home decor. As the saying on the green vest goes: “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it.”

If you’re in the mood for culture, take in some art at the Dairy Center for the Arts, where rotating exhibitions, film screenings, and live performances fill the calendar.

After all that exploring, grab another bite to eat. For French-inspired fare, stop by Le Frigo, a specialty shop with deli counter sandwiches that’ll make you contemplate trading the Rocky Mountains for the Alps. For a delicious bottle of natural wine to take home, check out Persona Wine.

As night falls, Boulder’s low-key nightlife comes alive. Head to Press Play, an underground arcade bar, or check out Comic Cents, a comedy club located within License No.1, the speakeasy-style bar in the basement of the Hotel Boulderado. Laugh along, tip your bartenders well, and rest up—you’ve got more exploring ahead.

Explore the L-Towns: Louisville & Lafayette

Next, head east into Boulder County’s L-Towns, where small-town charm and local flavor shine.

Start the morning with some fresh air. Take in a full panorama of the Front Range on a stroll at Davidson Mesa. While you’re there, use the handy pedestrian underpass to go under McCaslin Boulevard and take a loop around Harper Lake, where you can spot local birds and plants in the Leon A. Wurl Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Once you’ve earned breakfast, stop at Morning Glory Cafe in Lafayette for a farm-fresh meal with an emphasis on sustainability and organic ingredients. Its peaceful back patio is the perfect place to tuck in before the rest of your day.

After breakfast, browse the quirky local shopping outlets. The Read Queen Bookstore & Cafe  offers books as well as an annex stuffed with games, wearable gifts, and artwork from local makers, plus a quiet reading space in the Queen’s Lounge. While you’re in a shopping state of mind, stop into the Lafayette Flea Market. The warehouse is chock full of items sheltered under the one-man’s-trash-is-another’s-treasure umbrella, and whether or not you find something precious to take home, you’ll certainly have a good time looking.

In Louisville, lose yourself in Little Horse Vintage, a combination bookstore, record shop, and furniture vendor spread throughout multiple spaces. Don’t forget to peek in the downstairs listening space!

Need a sweet treat? Swing by Sweet Cow in Louisville for a cone or a cup of handcrafted small-batch ice cream.

When evening rolls around, Louisville and Lafayette offer no shortage of watering holes. For a dive bar that’s not overflowing with college kids who walked over from the Hill, flash your ID at Henry’s Bar & Grill and grab a pool cue. Over in Lafayette, William Oliver’s Publick House serves up a pub-style experience with plenty of Colorado beer and whiskey from all around the world.

Finish Your Vacay in Longmont

Round out your weekend with a trip north to Longmont, where creativity and community are at the forefront. Start your day with a visit to Barbed Wire Books, an independent bookstore where you’ll be greeted by a shelf of Colorado-interest titles. Another not-to-miss stop is Front Range Mercantile—its packed-to-the-rafters inventory of one-of-a-kind and antique treasures ensures you’ll find something special to take home.

For a dose of culture, visit the Firehouse Art Center, which hosts rotating exhibitions of contemporary work by local and regional artists. Or head to the Longmont Museum & Cultural Center, which has exhibits on regional history and culture, plus education programs and auditorium events. It remains open although its undergoing extensive galley renovations through autumn of 2026. 

When hunger strikes, cruise over to Babettes Bakery for an artisanal pastry or sandwich. For those who prefer their protein over carbs, pull up at Georgia Boys BBQ and treat yourself to a hearty meat plate.

Afterward, unwind with some old-school fun at Quarters Bar + Arcade—a great spot for group drinks, games, or an inventive date night. And if you didn’t get your fill of sweets earlier, there’s a Sweet Cow location here, too, ready to scoop up your weekend finale.

The Perfect BoCo Weekend

From Boulder’s iconic mountain views to Louisville and Lafayette’s small-town charm to Longmont’s creative community, a long weekend in Boulder County packs plenty of ways to explore, indulge, and unwind. Whether it’s your first visit or your 15th, you’ll find something new to love in every corner.